Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Taking the extra step to prep with one of the best primers for mature skin before getting glam can make a big, hydrating difference. If you're not already a self-identified primer lover, these formulas do way more than help your makeup last all day—they also promote plumper skin, soften fine lines, and boost radiance. Especially as aging faces undergo the hormonal changes of menopause, primers with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can provide lots of benefits, helping base makeup apply more evenly on top while keeping skin radiant. Get the low-down on the best primers for mature skin here, plus insight from cosmetic chemists and makeup artists to help you achieve your glowiest, longest-lasting looks yet.
Our Top Primers for Mature Skin
- Best Overall: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer, $55
- Best for Dry Skin: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer, $69
- Best for Dull Skin: Chanel La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer, $56
- Best for Oily Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, $34
- Best for Discoloration: Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25, $42
- Best Lightweight: Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer, $34
- Best with SPF: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50, $55
- Best for Lips: Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment, $36
- Best Glowy: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer, $30
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of a primer for mature skin?
- How should I choose a primer for mature skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Tatcha
The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Tatcha
Why it's worth it: Makeup artist Emily Gray sings the praises of Tatcha's The Liquid Silk Canvas, calling it "the most lightweight primer" she's ever used. A blurring primer infused with silk extract, it hydrates while softening the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. It also contains pink and gold pearl powder that works wonders to even out and brighten the skin. But the coolest part? This primer is inspired by traditional Japanese beauty routines, namely bintsuke, a thin layer of soft wax that geisha use under their makeup to create a smooth, grippy canvas.
Expert feedback from makeup artist Daniel Martin
LargeChevron
"My hands-down, never-fail, go-to product for weddings is Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas Primer." [Editor's note: Martin is Tatcha’s Global Director of Artistry.] "It locks down base makeup for hours of wear, does not alter your foundation pigment, and works with both water-based and cream foundation." —Daniel Martin, makeup artist
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: silk extract, green tea, algae extract
- Who it's for: everyone, especially those targeting texture, pores, or fine lines
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Dry Skin: Bobbi Brown Face Base Moisturizer and Primer
Bobbi Brown
Vitamin Enriched Face Base
Bobbi Brown
Why it's worth it: Vitamin-rich, creamy, and so hydrating, Bobbi Brown's Face Base Moisturizer and Primer checks all our boxes. Its Best of Beauty Award-winning formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, squalane, and shea butter to nourish your skin and keep your makeup in place all day. It smells terrific, too, with no synthetics necessary, thanks to natural grapefruit extract. "This is a must-have in my kit for mature skin. This acts as a moisturizer and a primer in one," says New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard. “It's essential that you're hydrating and plumping mature skin to give it a fresh, dewy glow.”
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
LargeChevron
“This takes hydrating primers to a different level. It's an absolute powerhouse of a base product, packed with vitamins and nutrients. With a gentle scent and creamy, soft texture, it glides over my skin and absorbs instantly. My skin is breakout-prone and can be irritated by oily primers, but this hydrates and holds without sparking a breakout. It keeps my makeup in place all day and prevents foundation from drying out my skin.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
- Who it's for: people with normal or oily skin
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dull Skin: Chanel La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer
Chanel
La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer
Chanel
Nordstrom
Why it’s worth it: Some of us will admit that it doesn’t take more than the word Chanel to make us ooh and aah. But La Base Illuminatrice Glowing Makeup Primer backs up the buzz. Designed to smooth, hydrate, and subtly illuminate, it’s especially flattering for mature skin. Ingredients like plumping hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich microalgae, and pearlescent blurring powders provide a radiant base for makeup to melt into. If you’re worried about too much shimmer, rest assured: “It has gentle light-reflecting pigment that’s super-fine—not too sparkly—so it looks natural, gives your skin, and your foundation that inner radiance, youthful glow-from-within look,” says New York City-based makeup artist Nick Barose.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
LargeChevron
"It's in the name: Illuminatrice. I see an immediate glow, which I know has to do with hyaluronic acid and the light-reflecting pearly particles infused into this formula. It helps my concealer melt into my skin for an even finish that doesn't cling to any dry spots." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, camellia seed oil (protects skin from environmental stressors)
- Who it's for: everyone, but especially those with dry or dull skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Oily Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
Smashbox
The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Oily skin needs a primer that blocks pesky sebum to prevent shine from peeking through. This year, Smashbox’s The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer won a Best of Beauty Award for its ability to do just that. The OG blurring primer on the block (it first came on the scene in 1996), it’s made with vitamins A and E to smooth and hydrate skin, paving the way for the rest of your makeup routine. One thin layer on top of your skin care helps make pores and fine lines less noticeable, while also making it easier to blend foundation on top.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
LargeChevron
“The only primers I use are the blurring formulas that make my pores disappear, and this one is a forever fave. At first touch, it feels a little oily, but once it melts into skin, it smooths out in a few swipes and blurs imperfections into oblivion. Unlike super-mattifying formulas, it leaves more of a soft satin veil, so makeup glides on super easily.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: vitamins A and E
- Who it's for: combination and oily skin
- Longevity: not specified
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Discoloration: Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25
Shiseido
RevitalEssence Skin Glow Primer
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why it’s worth it: “I love everything complexion-related from Shiseido, and this primer is no exception,” says Spickard of the brightening and hydrating formula behind the brand’s Revitalessence Skin Glow Primer SPF 25. Niacinamide and kefir ferment support microbiome balance to keep skin healthy and glowy under foundation, leading to better, longer-lasting makeup. It’s also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or clog pores—because acne doesn’t discriminate against age (menopausal breakouts are as real as they come). Spickard likes pairing this primer with Shisheido’s Revitalessence Foundation for even more glow.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, kefir ferment
- Who it’s for: people with discoloration or sun spots, or those undergoing menopausal hormone changes
- Longevity: up to 24 hours of hydration
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lightweight: Tarte Base Tape Hydrating Primer
Tarte
Base Tape Hydrating Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Infused with moisturizing jojoba, coconut, and vitamin E, Tarte’s Base Tape Hydrating Primer replenishes thirsty skin and leaves it baby-soft. Meanwhile, soothing Centella asiatica (more commonly known as cica) helps tackle fine lines and boost skin’s elasticity. Makeup artist Nydia Figueroa says, "It's like applying a moisturizer, but it also helps your makeup stay put all day." Heads-up: There’s a faint scent of coconut, so if you're fragrance-sensitive, this might not be the one for you.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: coconut, jojoba, Centella asiatica
- Who it's for: those with dry skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best with SPF: Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Charlotte Tilbury
Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: While we strongly suggest applying a separate layer of sunscreen underneath your makeup, an SPF-infused primer can add some extra protection against UV rays (and we’d never say no to that). Charlotte Tilbury’s Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 is also made with brightening vitamin C and hyaluronic acid that hydrates skin for up to 24 hours, according to the brand. Plus, an extract from African mahogany tree bark helps shrink the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, for a super-smooth base.
Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein
LargeChevron
“My biggest beauty flaw is that I constantly forget to apply sunscreen (a total skin sin, I know), but I don't have to fret about that when I have Charlotte Tilbury's Invisible UV Flawless Primer SPF 50 in my makeup bag. Not only does it provide sun protection, but it also grips my complexion products in place all day long while feeling totally weightless on my skin.”—Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamins C and E, shea butter, camellia seed oil
- Who it's for: all skin types
- Longevity: moisturizes for up to 24 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Lips: Sarah Creal Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Sarah Creal
Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: It’s colorless, lightweight, and pocket-sized, but Sarah Creal’s Lip Grip Peptide Priming Treatment has major priming powers and creates the perfect base for any lip color, especially on mature lips. “This is a go-to for clients over 40 because it prevents feathering and keeps lip color in place with honey polymer, which grips onto color for longer wear,” makeup artist Lindsey Sanchez previously told Allure. “You can even use it around your mouth to soften the look of fine lines.” As the name suggests, the formula includes peptides to support collagen and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, helping lipstick glide on effortlessly and look its absolute best.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: peptides, lactic acid
- Who it's for: those with dry lips and fine lines around the mouth
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Glowy: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer
Milk Makeup
Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: For the right amount of glow (no harsh sparkles or glitter, we promise), there’s the Best of Beauty Award-winning Milk Makeup Hydro Grip + Glow Illuminating Primer. Sister to the brand’s viral Hydro Grip primer, this version also features hydrating hyaluronic acid and skin tone-evening niacinamide, but with a little extra shimmer from light-reflecting pearls—the perfect brightening boost for any base makeup. Add a dash of blue agave extract to lock in makeup for up to 12 hours, and you have a primer made for long, busy days.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
LargeChevron
“As a self-proclaimed professional concert-goer, I need something to make my makeup last. This slick goo goes on to feel weightless and—like the name says—grips makeup through dancing, sweating, and scream-singing. My foundation and heavy liner always look pristine after a three-to four-hour show.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: aloe leaf water, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin
- Who it's for: dull, dry skin
- Longevity: up to 12 hours
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a primer for mature skin?
The best makeup primers for mature skin are made with gentle ingredients that support the unique beauty of aging skin. "More mature skin is often in need of a hydration boost, so humectants like glycerin, betaine, and hyaluronic acid are beneficial," cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos explains. Along with nourishing your skin, a high-quality primer also boosts the effectiveness of your other skin-care products, creating a smooth, long-lasting base that locks in hydration and wears well. "Think of primer as double-sided tape for the face," says Figueroa. "It locks in skincare, keeps your makeup in place, and prevents it from creasing or settling into fine lines and wrinkles."
"The primary ingredients in most primers are silicone elastomers," says Dobos. "Elastomers are flexible polymers that can be pulled and stretched without breaking. They also have good adhesion to the skin and are responsible for the grip primers have on pigments." She explains that these polymers also scatter light, which is responsible for that beloved blurring effect.
How should I choose a primer for mature skin?
Gray recommends focusing on skin-forward, hydrating and smooth ingredients. "Niacinamide is one of my favorite ingredients because it has numerous well-studied and proven benefits, including antioxidant activity, skin tone evening, and the ability to strengthen the skin barrier," Dobos adds. If your skin has gotten oilier with age, Dobos suggests looking for primers with mattifying ingredients. "Many primers contain highly absorptive powder like silica or non-pearlescent mica to maintain a more matte appearance," she says.
You'll also want to read the back of the bottle to avoid a few pesky ingredients that can exacerbate aging-related skin concerns. "Avoid formulations that contain stripping ingredients and unnecessary oils," Gray warns, as these can emphasize signs of mature skin. Opt for a lightweight primer that won't settle into fine lines or wrinkles, even on hour 12.
Meet the experts
- Nydia Figueroa, a makeup artist based in New York City and New Jersey
- Emily Gray, a makeup artist based in Nashville
- Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
- Molly Stern, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
- Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Nick Barose, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Lindsey Sanchez, a makeup artist based in Santa Paula, CA
- Daniel Martin, a makeup artist based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best primers for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
